The Arizona Attorney General’s Office is warning consumers to be alert for potential property rental scams as the housing market continues to push people to rent.

“Housing is a basic human need and, unfortunately, some fraudsters prey upon that need to take advantage of hardworking Arizonans simply trying to find a place to live,” says Attorney General Mayes. “I urge you to be cautious about who you provide your financial and other personally identifying information to when looking for a home.”

The Attorney General’s Office offers several tips on how to be vigilant when renting.

• Be skeptical of rental prices “well below” market price.

• Look up the property address on a search engine to verify that the property is not “for sale” elsewhere.

• Physically visit the property to verify that it exists.

• Avoid companies or individuals listing rental properties who are not reachable by phone during normal business hours; who tell you that they are out of state or out of the country; or who request communication via text only.

• Avoid companies or individuals requesting payments be sent overseas or by wired funds, gift cards or through peer-to-peer payment apps.

• Be skeptical of companies or individuals charging up-front fees in addition to the normal application and credit check fees.

• Be wary of companies or individuals requesting personal information such as Social Security number and bank account information up front.

Along with tips before renting, the office offers tips for once a person has viewed a potential rental.

• Walk through the property and make sure it fits the description of what is being advertised and it matches the lease or rental agreement description.

• Ensure all fees and costs are included in your lease or rental agreement.

• Make sure to understand the lease or rental agreement terms.

• Don’t sign a lease or rental agreement that has blank spaces.

• Don’t pay the security deposit until you have a signed lease.

• Make sure you get a copy of the signed lease or rental agreement.

Anyone who believes they are a victim of consumer fraud can file a consumer complaint by visiting the Attorney General’s website. To have a complaint form sent, contact the Attorney General’s Office in Phoenix at 602-542-5763, in Tucson at 520-628-6648, or outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas at 800-352-8431.